AZ Subway franchise to close after running afoul of employer sanctions law

PHOENIX (AP) – A west Phoenix Subway sandwich franchise on March 9 became the second Arizona business to admit to violating the state law that penalizes employers for knowingly hiring illegal immigrants.

Under the settlement of the civil case, Danny’s Subway agreed to close the business for two days and file quarterly hiring reports with the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office. It will be on probation for three years.

If it’s found to be in violation again, it could have its business license permanently revoked.

A call to Danny’s Subway went unanswered the afternoon of March 9.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement found that Danny’s rehired an employee who the federal agency already found was unauthorized to work there. The worker was hired the second time under a forged identity.

The worker – whose name was not released – was arrested, the business was fined $431, and ICE turned the case over to the county attorney’s office for civil prosecution.

“Everyone agrees that citizens and legal immigrants looking for work should not have to compete with unauthorized workers,” County Attorney Andrew Thomas said in a statement.

The first civil settlement under the more-than-2-year-old state law occurred in December with Waterworld, a now-defunct northwest Phoenix amusement park that will have its business license suspended for 10 days if it reopens.

Prosecutors also filed a civil case against a custom furniture maker in Scottsdale. That case is ongoing.

The employer sanctions law carries license suspensions and revocations for those who knowingly make illegal hires and is designed to lessen the economic incentive for immigrants to cross the border.

Authorities across Arizona have examined several dozen complaints of employer sanctions violations, but only three civil cases have been filed – those against the water park, the furniture store and the sub shop.